Iphone 5c Vs 5s Did The Size Really Matter

In September 2013, Apple made a rare move: it released two iPhones simultaneously—the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s. On paper, they looked nearly identical. Same screen size, similar dimensions, shared design language. But beneath the surface, these devices represented two divergent philosophies in Apple’s product strategy. The 5c was colorful, plastic, and positioned as an affordable option. The 5s was sleek, aluminum-backed, and packed with next-gen features. While both measured 4 inches diagonally and had almost identical footprints, consumers quickly asked: did the size really matter? Or was it everything else—performance, materials, features—that defined their lasting impact?

The Design Divide: Plastic vs Precision

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5c and 5s wasn’t size—it was substance. Despite sharing nearly the same external dimensions (123.8 x 58.6 x 8.97 mm for the 5c vs. 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm for the 5s), the feel in hand was dramatically different.

The 5c featured a polycarbonate shell available in bright colors—blue, green, pink, yellow, and white. It was marketed as fun, youthful, and accessible. However, early reviews criticized its “cheap” feel compared to the premium aluminum unibody of the 5s. The extra 1.37 mm thickness of the 5c didn’t just add bulk—it signaled a shift in material quality.

Tip: When comparing smartphones of similar size, pay attention to build materials—they influence grip, durability, and perceived value more than dimensions alone.

Apple claimed the 5c wasn’t a “budget phone,” but rather a “colorful iPhone.” Yet, consumers interpreted its plastic body as cost-cutting. In contrast, the 5s, with its chamfered edges and matte finish, felt like a natural evolution of the iPhone 5. Size may have been equal, but ergonomics and aesthetics tipped the scale toward the 5s.

Performance Gap: A6 vs A7 – One Generation Ahead

If design separated them visually, performance pulled them into entirely different leagues. The iPhone 5c used the same Apple A6 chip found in the iPhone 5—a dual-core processor with 1GB RAM. The iPhone 5s, however, introduced the groundbreaking 64-bit Apple A7 chip, the first of its kind in a smartphone.

This wasn’t just a minor upgrade. The A7 delivered up to twice the CPU and GPU performance. Apps launched faster, multitasking was smoother, and graphics-intensive games ran without lag. iOS updates also favored the 5s; it received support for four major iOS versions longer than the 5c, remaining functional well into the late 2010s.

“With the A7, Apple didn’t just improve speed—it redefined mobile computing architecture.” — Mark Gurman, Bloomberg Senior Reporter on Apple

For users, this meant the 5s remained usable for daily tasks years after release, while the 5c struggled with newer apps by 2016. Size didn’t affect app compatibility—but processing power did.

Feature Comparison: Security, Camera, and Innovation

Beyond internals, the iPhone 5s introduced features that would become standard across future iPhones. Most notably, Touch ID—the fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button—debuted on the 5s. It offered secure, one-touch unlocking and later enabled Apple Pay authentication.

The 5c lacked this entirely. No biometric security meant relying solely on passcodes, a step backward in convenience and safety.

The camera systems also diverged. Both had 8MP rear sensors, but the 5s included a dual-LED flash (white and amber) for better color balance, a larger f/2.2 aperture, and improved backside illumination. More importantly, the 5s supported burst mode, slo-mo video at 120fps, and better low-light performance thanks to smarter software processing.

Feature	iPhone 5c	iPhone 5s
Processor	A6	A7 (64-bit)
Rear Camera	8MP, single LED flash	8MP, dual-LED True Tone flash
Biometrics	None	Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Motion Coprocessor	No	M7 (for fitness tracking)
iOS Support	Up to iOS 10	Up to iOS 12
Starting Price (2013)	$549 (16GB)	$649 (16GB)

The $100 price gap seemed small at launch, but over time, the feature delta widened. The 5s wasn’t just faster—it was smarter, more secure, and more future-proof.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider Sarah and James, both buying iPhones in late 2013. Sarah chose the bright yellow iPhone 5c for its cheerful look and lower price. James opted for the space gray 5s, drawn to its sleek design and new fingerprint unlock.

By 2015, Sarah noticed her phone slowing down. Instagram updates took longer to load. Some games wouldn’t install. She avoided updating iOS because it made the device sluggish. By 2016, she needed a replacement.

James, meanwhile, kept his 5s until 2018. He used Apple Pay, enjoyed slo-mo videos of his kids, and never experienced app crashes. Even on iOS 12, the 5s received performance optimizations that extended its life. His decision paid off in longevity.

They held phones of nearly identical size, yet their experiences couldn’t have been more different. For Sarah, the 5c was a short-term joy. For James, the 5s became a reliable tool for years. Size didn’t determine satisfaction—capabilities did.

Did Size Matter? The Verdict

At first glance, yes—the 4-inch form factor was central to both models. It catered to users who preferred compact, one-handed operation before phablets dominated the market. For those prioritizing pocketability and ease of use, the size was ideal.

But when comparing the 5c and 5s, size was the least important factor. What mattered far more were the invisible elements: processing power, security features, camera intelligence, and long-term software support.

Apple intended the 5c as a gateway device, but it failed to resonate. Consumers saw through the color—literally. They wanted innovation, not just vibrancy. The 5s, despite costing more, offered tangible advancements that justified its premium.

In retrospect, the 5c was discontinued after one generation. The 5s remained in Apple’s lineup for three years, even serving as the base model iPhone SE (2016)’s internal blueprint. That legacy speaks volumes.

Tip: When choosing between similarly sized smartphones, prioritize internal specs and software support over cosmetic differences—they define long-term usability.

FAQ: iPhone 5c vs 5s

Were the iPhone 5c and 5s the same size?

Nearly. Both were 123.8 mm tall and 58.6 mm wide, but the 5c was 8.97 mm thick versus the 5s at 7.6 mm. The 5c also weighed 132g compared to the 5s’s 112g, making it noticeably heavier despite similar footprint.

Can the iPhone 5c run modern apps?

No. The 5c maxed out at iOS 10, and most current apps require iOS 12 or higher. Even lightweight apps today often fail to install or perform poorly due to outdated hardware.

Why did Apple discontinue the 5c so quickly?

Despite colorful marketing, sales underperformed. Consumers associated the plastic body with lower quality and weren’t willing to compromise on performance. Apple learned that affordability shouldn’t mean compromised internals—leading to the better-received iPhone SE line.

Checklist: Choosing Between Similar-Sized Phones

• Compare internal processors—not just brand names, but benchmark scores
• Check expected software update lifespan
• Evaluate build materials: metal vs plastic affects durability and feel
• Assess unique features (e.g., biometrics, camera tech, sensors)
• Research real-world performance from long-term users
• Consider resale value and future compatibility

Conclusion: Look Beyond the Outline

The iPhone 5c and 5s proved that size is just one dimension of a smartphone’s value. Two devices can sit side by side in measurements yet differ vastly in capability, longevity, and user experience. The 5s succeeded not because it was smaller—but because it was smarter, faster, and built for the future.

Today’s buyers face similar choices: do you go for the flashy color or the silent powerhouse? The lesson from 2013 remains relevant. Don’t be swayed by outward similarities. Dig into specs, assess real-world performance, and think long-term. Because when the novelty fades, what’s inside is what truly matters.

💬 Still using a classic iPhone or remember choosing between the 5c and 5s? Share your story—what swayed your decision, and how did it hold up over time?